Scents of Resilience: A Palestinian Couple Captures Heritage in Perfume

Qassem Abu Khalaf and Malak Hijazi have launched Mejana, a perfume line inspired by Palestinian folklore and identity. Their fragrances aim to evoke nostalgia and connection to their roots, even amid adversity. Through their craft, they seek to share the rich heritage of their homeland while navigating the challenges posed by ongoing conflict.

In a city defined by struggle and resilience, Qassem Abu Khalaf and his wife Malak Hijazi are turning to their cultural roots to create scents that represent Palestinian heritage. Operating their perfume line, Mejana, from East Jerusalem, the couple is committed to conjuring memories of a more peaceful time through fragrance, as reported by Sebastian Usher.

In the breathtaking expanse of the Jordan Valley, Palestinian women continue to sing traditional songs as they harvest olive trees, a daily reminder of their ties to the land. These songs often tell stories of historical challenges, reminiscent of the past during the Ottoman Empire's decline. In the twist of Jerusalem's stone streets, the scents of spices, leather, and livestock blend together in a unique perfume that tells a tale spanning thousands of years.

“We’re trying to send a message through our perfumes that reveals our heritage and the scent of our land,” Qassem expresses proudly. This creative endeavor arose from his ongoing fascination and commitment to crafting high-quality perfumes, spending countless hours pouring over a vast collection of ingredients.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the couple hopes that their fragrances can provide solace and emotional connection to their roots for Palestinians. Each scent serves as a tangible piece of history, triggering memories through their fragrant notes. The name Mejana was inspired by traditional songs that resonate joy and happiness, a reminder of the brighter aspects of their culture.

The couple drew inspiration from Palestinian folklore while naming their first two fragrances. The rich and deep scent of Zaref Atool evokes the twisting alleys of the Old City, while Rozana tells the poignant narrative of a ship that promised sustenance but delivered disappointment—a reflection of their collective experience.

“I am proud of our identity, our heritage, and our folklore,” Malak avows. However, their journey has been obstructed by recent events. “We launched our brand on September 27 last year. We attended two bazaars in Jerusalem, but then the war began and everything came to a halt for several months.”

The ongoing turmoil has devastated tourism in the area, impacting local vendors who rely on visitors. Yet Qassem and Malak have found avenues for success, particularly with the Palestinian diaspora, including notable sales in Australia. They have since crafted a second collection of three distinct perfumes, all presented beautifully in artisan-crafted packaging that celebrates local artistry.

The symbolic design of their packaging—a wooden capsule adorned with a key—speaks volumes. The key is a representation of the homes lost during the conflicts of 1948, a lasting reminder of history. Malak shares, “The key connects our memories to our ancestors. When you smell a particular scent, it evokes beautiful memories.”

Beyond their entrepreneurial endeavors, Qassem and Malak recently celebrated the birth of their daughter, Sadeel. In a tumultuous time, they express both joy and concern about raising a child amidst ongoing chaos. Malak shares her emotional struggle, explaining, “I had to stop watching the news during my pregnancy because it was too stressful."

As they navigate this challenging landscape, Qassem expresses hope for lasting peace, wishing for serenity in both their lives and the broader community. “It’s not easy,” he admits, “but we hope everything will come to an end, and we’ll have peace—a little peace of mind, too.”